Evolocumab Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jan 6, 2025.

Applies to evolocumab: subcutaneous solution.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly to lower your cholesterol level and to decide if you should continue to use it. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Serious allergic reactions, including angioedema may occur while you are using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching skin, difficulty with breathing or swallowing, hives, large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs, nausea, reddening of the skin, especially around the ears, swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

The needle cover of the prefilled syringe or autoinjector contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex. The single use Pushtronex® system is not made with natural rubber latex. Tell your doctor if you have a latex allergy before you start using this medicine.

Common side effects of evolocumab

Some side effects of evolocumab may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects of evolocumab

Along with its needed effects, evolocumab may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking evolocumab:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to evolocumab: subcutaneous solution.

General adverse events

The more commonly reported adverse reactions have included nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, back pain, and injection site reactions.

Hypersensitivity

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity reactions (including rash, eczema, erythema, urticaria)
• Postmarketing reports: Angioedema^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, gastroenteritis, nausea (1.8%)^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site reaction (including erythema, pain, bruising)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain, myalgia, musculoskeletal pain, arthralgia (1.8%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Headache, dizziness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Neurocognitive events (0.2%)^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Influenza, fatigue (1.6%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Contusion^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Common (1% to 10%): Influenza, fatigue (1.6%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Contusion^[Ref]

Immunologic

• Rare (less than 0.1%): Development anti-drug antibody
• Postmarketing reports: Influenza-like illness^[Ref]

See also:

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Further information

Evolocumab side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer